MEDIA RELEASE

New aquatic centre opens in Kāpiti

10 AUGUST, 2013

Kāpiti’s newest community facility, the Coastlands Aquatic Centre officially opened today (Saturday).

Mayor Jenny Rowan says the community is ‘abuzz with excitement’ about the new state-of-the-art swimming pool complex located in the heart of Paraparaumu.
“This is the most exciting community facility to open in our District. We have been waiting so long for this day.”

The aquatic centre, a stone’s throw from the Coastlands shopping centre, replaces the old Raumati pool, which no longer served the needs of a growing community and closed two weeks ago. Mayor Rowan says the new pool complex will cater for all ages and a wide range of water activities. Facilities include:
• a 2.4m deep main pool with moveable floor so the depth can be varied
• a programmes pool
• a toddlers’ pool
• a hydro slide
• spa pool & sauna
• on-site physiotherapy practice
• café

Coastlands Aquatic Centre is believed to be the first swimming pool complex in Australasia to feature a translucent ETFE foil roof, which lets in natural light and will substantially reduce heating and lighting costs.

“This is one of the many energy-saving design features we opted for in line with Council’s strong sustainability principles,” says Mayor Rowan. “It gives users a feeling of being outdoors - without the need for sunscreen!”

The 25 x 25m main pool has a moveable floor that will make it multifunctional, suitable for competition swimming and deep-water sports as well as lane walking and aqua fitness.

“We’re already getting great comments from people such as water polo and underwater hockey players about the benefit of having a new deep pool in the region. Competitive swimmers who’ve tested the pool are achieving some good times.”

The Coastlands Aquatic Centre was built by the Kāpiti Coast District Council, initially under Mayor Alan Milne, in partnership with the Kapiti Aquatic Centre Trust, which launched a fundraising effort. Trust chair Neil MacKay says today’s opening is the realisation of a long-held goal

“When we embarked on this project we could never have anticipated some of the hurdles we’d face from the tough financial climate to the collapse of our main contractor, Mainzeal.”

The Coastlands Aquatic Centre was weeks short of completion in March when Mainzeal went into receivership. The Council has worked with the receivers and sub-contractors to finish the project.

“Today is for celebration and looking forward. This facility will provide a home for aquatic sport in the district and provide recreational opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. We are proud of what has been achieved.”

Contributors to the project include foundation sponsor Pak’nSave and naming rights sponsor Coastlands. Significant funds were also provided by the Lottery Grants Board, the New Zealand Community Trust and other community funding organisations.

The pool will be officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony and speeches at 9am, followed by a day of activities and demonstrations. Tickets for today’s grand opening have sold out but people will be able to attend a free ‘have-a-go-day’ on Sunday to try out some activities available at the new facility.

“This is a magnificent asset for current and future generations. I hope people will get involved, celebrate it, and enjoy it for years to come,” says Mayor Rowan.

ends

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